The Chick Corea Songbook is the twenty-second studio album released by The Manhattan Transfer on September 29, 2009. The album features The Manhattan Transfer's interpretations of several Chick Corea compositions, including a song written by Corea for this album. The executive producer was Yusuf Gandhi. It was the final album with Tim Hauser, who died in between the release of this album and their subsequent album.
Reviews
All About Jazz editor Jerry D'Souza stated regarding this album, "Manhattan Transfer is back, and in top-notch form with a marvelous blend of melody and song." Regarding individual songs, he added, "Spain" is magical. The snap and crackle are done to a nicety, the arrangement opening the door to gently cascading harmonies and embracing solo singing," "The Story of Anna & Armando (Armando's Rhumba)" is flamboyant, the vocals swaying and resounding in harmony within the balmy atmosphere of the lyrics".
DownBeat reviewer Philip Booth awarded 3.5 stars to the album. He wrote, "it’s difficult to deny the appeal of these voices, cascading and leapfrogging on 'Another Roadside Attraction (Space Circus)' and illuminating a story-song about Corea’s parents on 'The Story Of Anna & Armando (Armando’s Rhumba)' ".
Track listing
Personnel
The Manhattan Transfer Cheryl Bentyne – vocals Tim Hauser – vocals Alan Paul – vocals, synthesizers Janis Siegel – vocals, arrangements
Additional personnel Chick Corea – keyboards, Yamaha Motif XS8, arrangements Yaron Gershovsky – keyboards, Fender Rhodes, acoustic piano, programming, arrangements, backing vocals Edsel Gomez – acoustic piano, arrangements Bais Haus – synthesizers, drum programming Fred Hersch – acoustic piano, arrangements Scott Kinsey – keyboards, arrangements Ramón Stagnaro – acoustic guitar Christian McBride – acoustic bass John Benitez – double bass, backing vocals Jimmy Earl – bass guitar John Herbert – acoustic bass Gary Wicks – acoustic bass, bass guitar Vince Cherico – drums Billy Drummond – drums Steve Hass – drums Gary Novak – drums Alex Acuña – percussion Airto Moreira – percussion Luis Quintero – percussion Joe Passaro – marimba Ronnie Cuber – baritone saxophone Steve Tavaglione – sopranino saxophone Lou Marini – flute, alto flute Don Shelton – whistle Conrad Herwig – trombone Mike Panella – trumpet Robert Rodriguez – trumpet Corey Allen – arrangements Michele Weir – arrangements
Production The Manhattan Transfer – producers Yusuf Gandhi – executive producer, album concept Bill Airey Smith – engineer, mixing Scott Noll – engineer, mixing Mark Wilder – mastering Brian Bacchus – album coordinator Burton Yount – art direction, design
References
External links The Manhattan Transfer Official Website